The Measure of a Man

Title - The Measure of a Man
Fandom – FFVII
Characters – Yazoo, Kadaj, Loz, Tseng, Reno, Rude, Rufus
Warnings this chapter – yaoi, swearing, sex, angst.
Disclaimer – Don’t own the boys, just playing with them
Note – Story begins immediately after Advent Children

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A big thanks to Faoiltierna for your review of chapter 4. I've put up two more today, so hope you like them too! Kadaj should be causing more trouble... but he's a little busy playing with Reno... lol. It's my first time writing Kadaj, so I haven't done as much with him as I could. Maybe next time. I want some Tseng baggage too! LOL!
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- chapter 6 – confrontation -


Rufus led Yazoo into his office, closing and locking the door behind him before turning and looking at the middle brother with a grin. “Yazoo, how long have you been fucking your brothers?” The look he got in return was priceless and he wished that he had a security camera in here to capture the moment.

“I… that was the first time, Rufus,” Yazoo responded, his eyes falling to the floor in a gesture that was supposed to scream innocence, but the President knew better.

“Okay, that may work on Rude and Reno, but it’s not going to work on me, little one. There’s no way that was the first time for the three of you,” Rufus responded, resisting the temptation to roll his eyes. “Why did you lie to me and tell me Tseng was your first?” Yazoo looked up, frowning as Rufus watched him. The President could almost see the cogs turning in the youth’s head.

“I didn’t lie, Rufus,” Yazoo responded, chewing his bottom lip nervously.

“Yes you did. I’m not angry, I just want to know why. Please Yazoo, you insult my intelligence by keeping up this act with me. You wanted Tseng, so you asked Jenova to make him want you too. I understand that, but I don’t understand why you thought you had to put on the innocent act with me. What is it you’re so afraid of?” Rufus insisted, walking over to sit down on the couch.

“I… I didn’t…,” Yazoo began before the President interrupted him.

“This is your one chance, Yazoo. I have a recording of your brothers with my Turks from last night and it is obvious that they are experienced sexually. It is also clear that is wasn’t the first time they have been naked and commiting sexual acts in each others presence. I think I can assume that you joined them in previous… sexual experimentation? Admit to me what you’re so afraid of and I’ll give you another chance. Keep lying and I’ll put you and your dear brothers back in your cells, permanently.” Both men looked at each other, the President holding the youth’s gaze.

Finally, after what seemed like forever, Yazoo looked away. “It wasn’t a complete lie. Tseng was my first, apart from Loz and Kadaj,” he replied. “Normal humans don’t accept brothers being intimate and we knew if anyone found out, we’d be abandoned again… or worse.”

“Yes, normal humans don’t accept that kind of thing but it’s not like you three were raised by a normal human,” Rufus began, sighing as he ran a hand through his hair. “I have no intention of abandoning any of you, Yazoo.”

“Really?” the remnant blurted, taking a step closer to the President.

“Yes, really. I am aware of the fact that you were all raised by Jenova and I did expect there to be complications because of that. I take it she encouraged you three to play together?”

“Mother said that nobody else was good enough. She said that we’d never find love or acceptance with anyone else,” Yazoo whispered, his hands grasping each other as his eyes darted around nervously. Rufus took pity on the boy, raising an arm and gesturing for him to come closer. “You… you’re not disgusted?” Yazoo asked as he slowly stepped closer.

“No, I’m not,” the President said with a smile, taking the youth’s hand and pulling him down beside him on the sofa. “I wouldn’t suggest telling Reno and Rude though. I’m not sure either would react so well.”

“You’re not going to tell them?” Yazoo asked, surprise clear on his face.

“No, I’m not. I would suggest not letting Tseng find out either. He can be… well, old fashioned when it comes to morals and such. It would just give him another reason to be difficult and he’s difficult enough already.”

“I think you like difficult men, Rufus,” Yazoo said, finally finding his smile.

“You may have a point there, little one,” Rufus chuckled, pulling the remnant in for a quick kiss. “But you have to remember, I wasn’t raised by a normal human either.”

***..***

Dinner was an awkward event, all six men eating together in silence. Reno was still in shock from this morning’s surprises, the redhead unusually quiet as he ate automatically, his eyes constantly drawn to Kadaj who was sitting across from him, poking at his food and looking bored. Loz on the other hand, was eating so fast that Reno was surprised he didn’t choke. Rude had cooked their meal and it was as if the elder brother was trying to show his appreciation by shoving as much in his mouth as he could.

Down the other end of the table, Rufus ate with his usual grace, slowly savoring each bite as Yazoo imitated him. The middle brother seemed to have become attached to the President and Reno didn’t even want to think about how Tseng would react to that when he came back tomorrow. As far as the Wutain knew, the remnants were still locked safely in their cells and the redhead was sure he was going to explode when he found them up in their living quarters.

“Sir?” Rude began, looking down the table at the President. “I wanted to ask where the brothers will be sleeping tonight.” Reno looked up at Rude before glancing back to Rufus, curious as to how Rufus would respond.

“Good question, Rude. They can stay in the spare bedroom. It can be locked from the outside and has four beds, if I remember correctly,” the blonde answered, putting his fork down and looking over at Yazoo.

“Um, do you think that’s such a good idea? Considering what happened this morning and all?” Reno asked, nervously shifting in his seat. It was going to be years before he managed to get the image of the remnants together out of his head and it disturbed him that his libido didn’t seem to be bothered by the incestuous side of it.

“I have faith that Yazoo understands why they shouldn’t have sex anymore. Do you understand Kadaj, Loz?” Rufus asked, looking from one to the other.

“Yes, Rufus,” Kadaj answered, rolling his eyes. Loz just nodded, glancing over at Rude.

“See, Reno? No problem at all,” Rufus answered, his grin lopsided as his eyes returned to Yazoo once more. Reno just stared, feeling suddenly left out of the loop. What the hell is going on with the President? the redhead thought, frowning as he returned his own gaze to the youngest brother. Kadaj was already looking his way and when their eyes met, the youth licked his lips, smirking at Reno’s startled reaction.

“I think I’m gonna turn in early,” Reno muttered, stabbing a roast potato with his fork. His headache from this morning was returning with a vengeance.

“First, you and Rude will have to put your charges to bed. Kadaj and Loz can use your bathroom to have their showers. I’m sure they can manage to wash themselves now,” Rufus instructed. “Can you, Yazoo?”

“Yes, Rufus. I believe I can manage that on my own now,” Yazoo purred, smiling over the table at the blonde.

“Good. You can use my bathroom,” the President responded, his grin twisting into a smirk. “Any questions, gentlemen?”

Reno just shook his head as Rude murmured a no from beside him. The redhead watched as Rufus stood, Yazoo immediately standing as well. “Tseng will be back tomorrow, early if his past actions are any indication. I think it would be wise for us all to get an early night. Tomorrow should be quiet eventful.” The President then walked towards his bedroom with Yazoo giving a quick look to Kadaj and Loz before following.

“Eventful is an understatement,” Reno muttered, pushing his plate away. The redhead wasn’t looking forward to the Wutain’s return.


***..***

Tseng stepped out of the van, glancing up towards the living quarters with a raised eyebrow. He could hear sounds of squealing floating down from an open window and he suddenly had the horrible feeling that something was going on that he really didn’t want to know about. Coming back early usually meant finding Reno doing something he shouldn’t be doing. Sighing, he grabbed his bag from the back seat and locked the doors, walking towards the front stairs with only the moonlight guiding his way.

Opening the front door quietly, the sounds increased and suddenly he heard Rude’s voice call out, “Reno! Kill it and get him dressed now!” Kill it and get him dressed? Tseng mused, both eyebrows going up this time. The temptation to turn back around and leave was strong but Tseng resisted, taking a deep breath and slowly walking down the hall.

Without warning, a completely naked Kadaj darted out of Reno’s room, running smack into the Wutain and bouncing back to fall on his ass on the floor. Tseng wished he’d listened to his inner voice and just left.

“Reno!” he bellowed, causing a sudden silence to fall over the house. Minutes ticked by while Tseng stared at the youth, frozen in shock on the floor in front of him, until finally a red clump of wet hair poked out the bedroom door.

“Boss?” Reno asked meekly, throwing a towel on the naked remnant. “I can explain this.”

“Then do so,” Tseng growled, his patience wearing thin already.

“Well, Kadaj was having a shower and this spider crawled in the window and decided to join him. Apparently, he isn’t too fond of spiders and he freaked out,” Reno explained, taking a step out of the bedroom. Tseng was relieved to find the redhead was fully dressed, although his clothes were soaked through. “I tried to get the spider out but it ran towards Daj and he bolted out here, into you.”

Tseng stared at Reno as if the Turk had just sprouted wings. “Why is he up here?” he finally managed to ask.

“President’s orders, Sir,” Reno replied, reaching down to pull Kadaj upright and push the boy back into his room. Tseng’s eyes narrowed dangerously and the redhead began to pale under his gaze, swallowing nervously.

“Where is Rufus?” Tseng growled, barely containing himself.

“Ah… um… he’s in his room, I think,” Reno mumbled, biting his bottom lip.

Tseng turned away, approaching Rufus’ room and ignoring the sounds of people whispering and running around behind him. It was definitely time he and Rufus had a talk.

***..***

Yazoo arched into Rufus’ mouth, his hands fisting in the silk sheets of the President’s bed. Rufus hummed around his cock, making him moan out the blonde’s name when suddenly, a loud knock on the door interrupted their play. The middle brother whimpered when his shaft was released, opening his eyes to find blue ones staring down at him.

“Don’t move,” Rufus purred, leaning down to kiss him before climbing off the bed. The President walked towards the door, Yazoo watching his bare skin glisten in the moonlight that was shining in through the open window.

“What is it?” the blonde called out through the door, his voice edged with his annoyance.

“It is Tseng, Rufus,” a deep voice growled back. Yazoo was off the bed in a heart beat, stopping in the middle of the room as he realized he had nowhere to run.

“The bathroom,” the President hissed, quickly grabbing his own pants off the floor and pulling them on. Yazoo quickly went into the President’s bathroom, pulling on his own clean pants and shirt, before moving back over to the partway open door to listen.

“You’re back early,” Rufus commented, standing in the doorway to his room, stopping Tseng from entering.

“Yes I am. Why is Kadaj out of his cell?” Tseng began. “And where are Loz and Yazoo?”

“I decided that they will be sleeping in the spare room from now on. Loz is with Rude, I believe having his shower,” Rufus answered flatly.

“And Yazoo?”

“He’s in my shower,” Rufus replied, sounding bored. “Is your interrogation over now, Tseng, because I’d like to go to bed.”

“With Yazoo?” Tseng voice drawled. Yazoo could see the muscles of Rufus’ back tense from across the room.

“No, Tseng. Not with Yazoo. Is there something you want to say to me?” Rufus retorted.

“There are many things I’d like to say to you right now, Mr President,” Tseng voice coldly replied. Yazoo bit his lip, his heart beat increasing as the silence in the room continued for far too long. The blonde hadn’t moved from the doorway, both men seemingly just standing there and staring at each other.

“Fine, Tseng. Then we will talk. I will be out in a few minutes,” Rufus suddenly retorted, slamming the door in the Turks face. Yazoo didn’t move, unsure of what to do as he watched Rufus, standing and staring at the closed door.

“Yazoo, come here,” the blonde whispered, holding out his hand while his eyes gazed at where Tseng had been, moments before. The middle brother slowly walked out of the bathroom towards him, putting his hand gently in Rufus’. “You must go and join your brothers now,” he said flatly.

“Rufus… I… I’m sorry,” Yazoo murmured softly. The President turned towards him, smiling lopsidedly.

“You’ve nothing to apologize for, little one. This is long overdue anyway and there’s no time like the present,” Rufus replied, pulling Yazoo into a quick hug. “Don’t worry yourself.” Yazoo nodded, standing back as the blonde retrieved a clean shirt from his cupboard, slipping it on and buttoning it up. “Come, I’ll take you to them now.”

***..***

Rufus led Yazoo out of his room still holding his hand, walking into the kitchen to find Rude and Reno sitting at the dinner table looking like two men awaiting their execution. Tseng stood against one wall, glaring at both Turks until he looked up at the blonde’s entrance. Rufus saw the Wutain’s eyes glance down, seeing their joined hands, and his eyes darkened even more.

“Reno, Rude. Please take Yazoo to his brothers. You are to watch over them until I return,” the President said softly, releasing the middle brother’s hand.

“Return from where, Sir?” Reno asked, looking up at him.

“Tseng and I need to talk. We will be going to the cell block as I need to show him something,” Rufus replied, ignoring the way the redhead’s eyes widened.

“Now?!” Reno blurted.

“Yes, Reno. Now,” the President replied, turning his gaze towards Tseng. “Or is that not suitable for you, Tseng?” The Wutain didn’t reply, walking past Rufus and out the front door.

“Sir, this is madness. You can’t do it now with Tseng like this,” Rude interjected.

“It’s alright, Rude. I appreciate you’re concern but I will be fine,” Rufus replied, turning and walking down the hall and out the front door. As it closed behind him, the blonde hands began to tremble so he shoved them in his pockets, looking down to see Tseng entering the cellblock. I hope I will be fine, he thought to himself, pushing his legs into action.

***..***

Tseng was leaning against the wall in the hallway of the cellblock when Rufus entered, the blonde’s expression clearly showing the worry he was feeling. The Wutain had the sudden urge to reassure the President but he swallowed it down, his anger reminding him that Rufus had gone behind his back, in more ways than one. He’d given the remnants free reign of the house, treating them as equals despite what they’d done to Tseng and Elena. The blonde even had Yazoo showering in his private bathroom and had been holding the youth’s hand when they entered the kitchen… and Tseng was not even thinking about what the moan he thought he heard through Rufus’ door meant. The fact it had all occurred in only one day stung him more than he’d like to admit. Do I mean so little to you, Rufus? he thought, wishing he had the courage to say it out loud.

The blonde didn’t met his eyes, instead going over to the nearest cell and using the keys to unlock it, pushing it open and standing back. “Please, Tseng,” he said softly, motioning in the door.

The Wutain paused for a moment before pushing off the wall and entering, standing in the centre of the room and looking out the small window. He heard the door being pulled closed and turned to find Rufus standing right behind him. “I’m here, now what is it that you had to show me?” the Wutain asked coldly.

“Nothing. We need to talk and I thought it would be more private here,” the blonde said, meeting his eyes and not backing down. The fact the blonde never backed down was one of the things Tseng had always admired about him. Even when the President was only a teenager, he would still hold his ground against others twice his size.

“Yes, we do,” Tseng said flatly. “What happened while I was gone? It’s only been one day and suddenly they’re up living amongst us. I’m trying to understand, Rufus, but I’m finding it difficult.”

“They are following every order given to them, eager to learn and showing no signs of aggression. I decided there was no point keeping them down here when we could start training them to live as normal civilians,” the President replied, his eyes darting away to the far wall.

“Eager to learn? And what exactly were you teaching Yazoo in your room tonight?” Tseng retorted, glaring at the President. “Don’t even try to deny it, Rufus. I heard him moaning your name and saw you two holding hands… what, is he your boyfriend now? I have to say that I am sorely disappointed in you, Rufus. I thought you were above thinking with your dick.”

Rufus gaze turned back towards the Wutain, blue eyes wide as the President’s temper flared. “I am not thinking with my dick, Turk, and Yazoo is not my boyfriend,” he flatly replied.

Tseng stepped closer, grasping the blonde’s shirt with one hand and pulling their faces close. “Not your boyfriend… does that mean he’s just another fuck to you?” the Wutain growled, his eyes burning angrily. “Do you not remember who he is and what he has done? Or do I mean so little to you now that what he did can be forgiven, just so you can get laid?”

“That’s not true and you know it, Tseng! You are my Turk and I hold you above everyone else but I can’t make all my decisions based on what’s best for you. They were under the control of Jenova when they did all those things… puppets to her will but now they’re free. I have to be unbiased and decide on the facts of the case. I can’t make decisions based on revenge or anger… that’s what father used to do and that’s why Shinra failed the first time!” the blonde explained, his eyes pleading for acceptance that Tseng just couldn’t give him. The Wutain’s hand dropped away from Rufus’ shirt, his eyes widening as he finally understood that he really was just another servant to the President. Your Turk…Is that all I’ve ever been?

“Rufus, don’t do this. I can’t… I can’t accept it. I’m warning you, if you insist on having them live with us, if you won’t listen to anything I have to say anymore… than I…,” Tseng’s voice broke and he looked away, taking a breath to try and steady his rising emotions. “If you insist on doing this I will never forgive you. I will resign as your Turk and leave.”

“You would leave me over this?!” Rufus spat, the blonde’s anger erupting. “You’ll never forgive me? Does that mean you’re going to molest me in the shower and call me names too? Tell me, Tseng, did doing that to Yazoo take your shame away? Did it make you feel good to hurt someone who just happens to be stupid enough to love you?” Rufus retorted, grabbing the Wutain’s arm and yanking him back to face him. “I will not be pushed around and manipulated by you threatening to leave me all the time!”

“Love me?” Tseng blurted, staring at Rufus as if the blonde had lost his mind. “You don’t do that to someone you’re suppose to love. That remnant doesn’t understand the meaning of the word!”

“Exactly! He doesn’t understand love. He feels it, but doesn’t know what he’s supposed to do. Think about it, Tseng. Yazoo only had Jenova to teach him about life and all she taught him was how to kill and cause pain. Then suddenly you turn up and he can’t stop looking at you, fascinated by this weird emotion that you cause inside of him. That bitch knows he’s falling in love with you, so she plays with the both of you, telling him what to do and he does it like he always has, like they all do when under her control. If Sephiroth couldn’t resist her, what makes you think Yazoo could?”

“This isn’t about Sephiroth, Rufus,” Tseng growled. “Saving Yazoo will not bring him back to you.”

“What the fuck is that supposed to mean?” Rufus whispered, staring at the Wutain.

“I know about you and Sephiroth. I know that you were together when Jenova took him over and he deserted you. I know you loved him, Rufus,” Tseng muttered, sitting down on the bed and looking away from the President.

“But I… you can’t…,” Rufus stuttered.

“For Gaia’s sake, you honestly think I didn’t know? My whole life, ever since we met, there has been nothing but you! I know everything about you. What you like, what you hate, all your secrets… gods, I even know about all those nights you snuck out to go to that fucking whore house under the plate!” Tseng spat, his temper rising with his words. “I live my life for you alone but you never even notice I’m in the fucking room until you need something. You’ll take that remnant, prostitutes... anyone but me!” The Wutain stopped, realizing what he’d blurted out in anger and his face paled.

“You… I’m your world?” Rufus stuttered, walking over to stand in front of the Turk. “Tseng, do you mean you… love me?” Tseng stayed silent, pulling his hands up over his face. Fuck, fuck, fuck, fuck…

Tseng felt hands on his, pulling gently and he let them pull his own away from his face. Glancing up, he found the blonde kneeling on the floor in front of him, only centimeters away and their eyes met. “Tseng, why didn’t you tell me? I thought that you…,” Rufus began, his eyes searching the Wutains.

“It doesn’t matter,” the Turk interrupted. “Just forget what I said. I’ll leave and you can have Yazoo,” Tseng mumbled flatly. The blonde’s hands cupped his face and the Wutain found he couldn’t pull away. “Please, Rufus. Don’t…” His words were cut off by soft lips, the President kissing him gently and Tseng was helpless to stop him. Their mouths moved together, lips parting and tongues dancing as the Turk drowned in his emotions, finally having a taste of what he’d wanted for so long. He wrapped his arms around Rufus’ waist, lifting the blonde up onto his lap and pulling their bodies close.


***..***

“Holy fucking shit!” Reno exclaimed, causing a chorus of shhh sounds to fill the room. The remnants where sitting down together with Reno and Rude standing behind them, all watching the video feed on Rufus’ laptop. “Hey, don’t fucking shush me!” the redhead complained. “My brain is breaking after hearing all of that.”

“Reno, your brain was broken to begin with, so just shut up so we can hear!” Kadaj hissed, not taking his eyes of the screen. Yazoo moved his hand over to squeeze his little brother’s, silently thanking him for trying to keep the redhead quiet.

“They’re not talking right now! To busy shoving their tongues down each other’s throats,” Reno retorted, pouting at the youngest remnant.

“I still want to hear,” Yazoo murmured, sucking his bottom lip between his teeth as Tseng’s began to unbutton Rufus’ shirt on the screen before them, the Wutain’s lips moving down the President’s neck slowly.

“Spying on them like this… it’s just wrong,” Reno’s voice insisted.

“It was your idea, Reno,” Rude replied.

“Only wanted to watch to make sure Tseng didn’t kill Rufus,” the redhead mumbled. “We should stop now that we know the President is safe.”

“Yeah, we should,” Rude agreed. Kadaj’s hand squeezed Yazoo’s and then was gone. There was the sound of movement around the middle brother, but Yazoo didn’t look up to see what was going on, his mind totally focused on the sight of Tseng’s lips, moving down to torment one of Rufus’ nipples. The President groaned and arched into his touch, his hands grasping the Wutain’s dark hair. Yazoo reached out for Kadaj again, his hand only finding an empty chair and he suddenly looked around, finding himself alone in Rufus’ office.

Sighing, he turned back to the screen once more. They looked perfect together, black and white, darkness and light, moving together so gracefully as if they had been created for each other. Tseng was so beautiful, his love for the President clear on his face as he worshipped the body before him. Rufus’ expression was completely open, no mask protecting the emotions that played across his handsome features. The blonde looked so young and vulnerable, completely submissive to Tseng as he murmured the Wutain’s name over and over.

Rufus was never like that with him. The President was always in control, dominating Yazoo and telling him what to do. Rufus had promised to talk to Tseng for him, to make Tseng understand that the remnant loved the Wutain, but instead the President was taking the Turk he loved for himself. Yazoo’s arousal disappeared. An all consuming anger, laced with the pain of betrayed, took its place with a ferocity that left the remnant slamming the monitor before him closed with a crack of broken plastic. He loved Tseng and while he was attracted to Rufus as well, he couldn’t stand to lose them both to each other.

Standing up, Yazoo began picking things up and throwing them, the sudden feelings too much for the youth to control. Rufus is mine and Tseng is supposed to be mine too! his mind screamed. Now they have each other they’ll never want me. I’ll be all alone, deserted and rejected again, just like mother! Suddenly the remnant stopped, breathing hard as his eyes flittered over the mess of Rufus’ office. No, not like this! I can’t hurt them... Yazoo put his hands on his head, fisting them in his hair as he shook his head, trying to get the sudden urge to kill out of his head. I won’t hurt Rufus or Tseng… I won’t be that person… I’m not mother’s puppet anymore!

Suddenly he heard footsteps approaching from the hall and Yazoo panicked, looking around for a way to escape. Turning to see the open window, he stepped over to it quickly, opening the latch and climbing out, jumping down the short drop to the ground and taking off at a run. He didn’t know where he was going or what he was going to do… all he knew was that he had to get away, for everyone’s sake.

TBC

Extra note – Updates will be slower from now on, as I’ve posted all I have already written in advance. I plan on getting this done quickly though, so hopefully (crosses fingers and pets Yazoo muse) the next will be in no more than a week and the rest at weekly intervals, if not sooner. Wish me luck and say a prayer to the remnant’s god… although Jenova may not listen… LOL!